The Essex intelligent dormitory, iDorm, uses embedded agents to create an ambient-intelligence environment. In a five-and-a-half-day experiment, a user occupied the iDorm, testing its ability to learn user behavior and adapt to user needs. The embedded agent discreetly controls the iDorm according to user preferences. Our work focuses on developing learning… (More)

The paper describes research that has been carried out in "extrovert-Gadgets", a research project funded in the context of EU IST/FET proactive initiative "Disappearing Computer". It presents a set of architectures for the composition of ubiquitous computing applications. The proposed architectures are part of GAS (Gadgetware Architectural Style), a generic… (More)

In this paper we introduce a novel mechanism for controlling autonomous mobile robots that is based on using spiking neural networks (SNNs). The SNNs are inspired by biological neurons that communicate using pulses or spikes. As SNNs have shown to be excellent control systems for biological organisms, they have the potential to produce good control systems… (More)

A purpose built environmental testbed for Intelligent Interactive Environments research, based upon student accommodation (iDorm) is described. It is argued to be a practical example of Grid technology. The testbed combines several different networks and provides a common protocol to act as a gateway between the different sensors and effectors in the iDorm.… (More)

This paper contains the results of an initial study into the FPGA implementation of a spiking neural network. This work was undertaken as a task in a project that aims to design and develop a new kind of tangible Collaborative Autonomous Agent. The project intends to exploit/investigate methods for engineering emergent collective behaviour in large… (More)

* 0-7803-8566-7/04/$20.00  2004 IEEE. Abstract In this paper we introduce the development of dedicated hardware capable of controlling autonomous micro-scale robots for fault detection/repair in complex inaccessible fluidic environments. This work is part of a European Union funded project entitled SOCIAL, (SelfOrganized societies of Connectionist… (More)

In this paper, we will introduce a novel system where identical miniaturized robotic agents with limited capabilities will collaborate to form a team that is capable of localizing and repairing scale formations in tanks and pipes within inaccessible fluidic environments. Each robotic agent is an autonomous entity that is based on the biologically inspired… (More)

The main objective of this paper is to assess the feasibility of an ad-hoc wireless network system for use within a hospital. The proposed system would operate as follows: Every bed within a hospital would be transformed into an eBed. These eBeds would monitor and record a patient’s details and vitals. In addition every doctor on the ward would possess a… (More)